Identification of low molecular weight aliphatic esters from rates of alkaline hydrolysis

Precise kinetic measurements for identifying organic compounds

“…From the data presented in references (9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18) it is apparent that reaction rate constants can be useful in the identification of organic compounds. However, this is not the only benefit from such studies, since the approach also represents a valuable teaching mechanism.…”

“…From the point of view of a practical means for identification, reaction rates are attractive because compounds in a class, such as a homologous series or a set of compounds containing the same functional group, may have very similar physical or spectral properties while possessing greatly different chemical properties, especially reactivities. For example, consider identification of the isomers isobutyl formate and ethyl propionate (12). The boiling points for these esters are identical, but their rates of saponification differ by a factor of 140.…”